So you’ve just moved into a new house or decided it’s time to redecorate your existing home. You’re most likely asking yourself, “where do I begin?” or “how do I make this house my home?”
Professionals are immediately called in when plumbing, electrical or landscaping is needed. Why then do so many still shy from using the services of a professional interior decorator when making important and expensive decorative decisions and purchases for their home? Once considered a luxury for only the very wealthy, decorating services are a necessity for today’s busy homeowner who doesn’t have time to run all over town looking for that perfect piece and simply can’t afford to make costly mistakes.
Selecting the person you want to work with to decorate your home is a combination of compatible personalities and tastes. During your initial consultation, ask to peruse the portfolio of the decorator to assure yourself that (s)he is capable of working in diverse styles. This is also the time to judge whether your personalities are a good fit. Remember that you will be working together for several weeks, if not months.
Working with a professional designer should be an enjoyable experience. Interior decorating projects are highly personal and collaborative, the final results are always much more successful when the lines of communication are open and ideas are freely discussed. Be candid with your decorator regarding such important elements as priorities, timing, budgets and tastes. If a style, color or item is suggested that you do not like, feel free to tell him or her. A good decorator will not be upset if you don’t like something. We want you to love the final result!
To ensure that you get off to the right start with your decorator and also get the results you are looking for, keep in mind the following tips:
Be a keen observer. Consciously make note of what catches your interest as you peruse decorating magazines and the Internet for interesting rooms and makeovers. Start a file of colors, patterns and designs that appeal to you. You may notice a chandelier, mirror, color combination or window treatment that you like. Show these to your decorator. A picture is worth a thousand words!
Take an honest inventory of your existing décor to determine which pieces you want to keep. Assess your furnishings the way you periodically review your wardrobe. Plan to keep the pieces you truly love and put all others on the to-be-replaced-eventually list.
Based upon your initial consultation, your designer will present you with fabric samples, sketches and pictures for your evaluation. Professionals have access to a world of options unavailable in retail stores so you’ll be sure see many new and different items. One of the most important services a professional offers is preventing you from becoming overwhelmed by the multitudes of choices available.
Trust your decorator’s advice and stay focused on the overall design goal. Give your decorator some latitude to decide for you the small details such as trims, pillows, accessories and botanicals. Your project will move forward more smoothly if (s)he doesn’t have to get your approval on every itty-bitty detail.
Most homeowners who have worked with a decorator will be quick to tell you “I love it! I should have done it sooner!”
